The entire brewing staff at the centre, in Dunston, Gateshead, are on a two-day strike until tomorrow at 10pm.

Around 70 workers at the plant are angry after new owners, Scottish and Newcastle Breweries, told staff they will not receive a 3.2% pay rise unless tribunal claims against the firm are ditched.

Scottish and Newcastle said brewing would not be affected by the action as contingency plans were in place.

The GMB union members are asking for the 3.2% pay rise as part of an annual negotiation on wages.

The union also has an employment tribunal claim against the firm. It wants compensation of 13 weeks pay for brewery staff after the S&N parent company, Scottish Courage, failed to consult with unions when it took over the Federation plant earlier this year.

The unions claim they were not given the statutory 90 days' notice.

Both GMB and the Amicus union have been working since last month to settle a pay deal for next year.

Amicus members voted against industrial action but the GMB members voted 97% in favour.

GMB regional officer Mike Hopper said going on strike was the last thing the workers wanted to do just a few days before Christmas, but they felt they had no choice.

He said: "We have not other option but to take industrial action. At this time of the year it is upsetting for everyone.

"The transport side of the brewery have also shown their support. They are upset at the way their colleagues are being treated. They are sending letters of support and setting up a fund to help out with wages."

* Scottish and Newcastle has strengthened its grip on India after signing a deal which gives it a share of 50% of the beer market there.

S&N has taken a stake of up to 37.5% in United Breweries, the number one Indian brewer, best known for brands like Kingfisher.

The partnership gives the firms a combined 50% share of the Indian beer market which is currently growing at 9% per year.